Israeli Couscous Salad with Spinach, Pistachios and Lemon

This light, spring salad finds inspiration in the flavors of the Middle East.  Israeli couscous is a round, pasta-like product — you’ll find it with dried grains and legumes at many grocery stores. Substitute orzo if you are unable to locate.  Cook the couscous like you would pasta, in plenty of water until it is past al dente — pleasantly soft when you bite into it, though not mushy.  Arugula could sub for spinach here, or a few handfuls of fresh spring herbs.  Add some blanched broccoli, crunchy celery or fennel.  Try cooked lentils instead of chickpeas.  Or leave the legumes out entirely.  Zest the lemon before juicing, for easiest handling.

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White Beans with Lemon and Greens

We adore white cannellini beans — a mild, creamy-soft source of delicious, low-fat protein. They pair nicely with lemon and any green leaf.  This dish works in its chunky form — or you can chop the greens finely and mash the beans as they cook, for a smoother spread. A super quick turn with the immersion blender does the job.

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Eggy French Toast—Two Ways

If you have it, choose Challah for this custardy-soft-on-the-inside french toast — though any high-quality, white or light wheat bread will do. Cut thick slices — about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Be sure to allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for several seconds on each side — this is key to achieving the custardy texture.  Fry the decadent slices in butter — they turn out golden-brown and loaded with flavor.  This is not the moment to skimp.  Save virtue for another day.

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